Our Foundations and Vision
Incorporated in 1986, MUMA is one of a founding group of pan-tribal organisations across New Zealand that set out to foster the economic, social and community development of Maori living in the cities. For over 30 years, we have led a movement to advocate for, forge and shape the rights of urban Māori.
The vision and hard work of activists like Dame June Temuranga Jackson, Bob Jackson and Brian Joyce laid a strong foundation for the future, and they are still role models for the values MUMA upholds for our community today.
Dame June Temuranga Jackson
In her role as MUMA’s first CEO, Dame June Temuranga Jackson (Ngāti Maniapoto) became renowned for her fierce advocacy for urban Māori and her readiness to take on anyone who stood in the way of the economic improvement of the community she represented.
She led the urban Māori authorities challenge of the Māori Fisheries Settlement allocation model, attending Privy Council hearings in London. Appointed to the National Parole Board in 1990, she spent over 20-years working with criminals through the Parole Board and at Ngā Whare Waatea marae.
Dame June received her Queen’s Service Medal in 1995. In 2010, at the ripe age of 70, she was invested as Dame and honoured for her work with prisoners, urban Māori, and the Waitangi Fisheries Commission.
“MUMA has a proud legacy of challenging and changing the status quo for urban Māori. We speak up and stand up for whānau in South Auckland, and to serve them is at the core of everything we do.””
Hon Willie Jackson
In 2009, Willie succeeded his pioneering mother as CEO. With a raft of political and broadcasting achievements to his name, he was the ideal candidate to give MUMA an even greater profile and continue our role within the urban Māori movement.
During his political career, Willie was the leader of the Mana Motuhake Party – the first Māori party in Government, and deputy leader of the Alliance Party; and also advised and supported Māori candidates across the political spectrum.
Outside the political arena, Willie was a long time union official, radio and television broadcaster and Māori music label executive. He was Chair of Te Whakaruruhau ō Ngā Reo Irirangi Māori (the National Māori Radio Network), Chair of the National Urban Māori Authority and Chair of Te Pūtahi Pāoho (the Māori Television Electoral College).
In 2017, Willie stood down from these positions and MUMA to enter Parliament as Minister of Employment. As of 2021 Willie was appointed to the position of Minister for Māori Development, and Associate Minister for ACC and of Justice. He continues in his role as Ngā Whare Waatea Board Chair.